Effects of tenorraphy on the gliding function and tensile properties of partially lacerated canine digital flexor tendons

Management of a partially lacerated digital flexor tendon within zone II remains controversial. To address this issue, we undertook an evaluation of the impact of tenorrhaphy on the gliding function and tensile properties of canine flexor tendons with lacerations involving either 30% or 70% of their cross-sectional area. Assessment of tendon excursion and joint rotation after 6 weeks of postoperative controlled passive mobilization failed to reveal any statistically significant benefit from tenorrhaphy on the gliding function. In fact, we demonstrated a significant negative effect of repair on tendons with 30% lacerations. Moreover, no significant differences between the structural properties or integrity of the repaired and nonrepaired tendons could be demonstrated. Thus, in light of the inherent tensile properties in these partially lacerated tendons, our data suggest that digital function of partially lacerated tendons of up to 70% of the cross-sectional area may be preserved without primary repair. However, additional work is needed to more definitively address this issue in a clinical context. (J Hand Surg 1999;24A:302–309. Copyright © 1999 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)